Year one of a unique partnership between Lethbridge College and Ashcroft Master Builder resulted in a number of impressive outcomes: a paid internship for a student, the construction of the home she designed, the nomination of that home for an industry award, and the awarding of a scholarship for another deserving student. The experience also led the way to a surge of momentum as year two got underway.
The second year of the Ashcroft Design Challenge saw Lethbridge College Interior Design Technology (IDT) students pitch their home design concepts they have been working on since January to representatives from Ashcroft Master Builder on Monday afternoon. Ashcroft will select a winning design and will build the home, as well as offer paid internships to the winning team members.
"This year has been even better than the last,” says Cherie Reitzel, IDT instructor. “My sincerest thanks go out to Ashcroft's gifted and altruistic team of designers, drafters and managers. They have given us endless hours of reviewing and critiquing the work of our students' homes. This has infinitely benefitted the quality of work and the educational experience of these fresh designers.”
A total of 10 teams pitched their designs to Ashcroft staff. Each team is made up of a first-year IDT student who designed a floor plan for a home and a second-year teammate who animated the design. The winning team will be announced at surRENDER, the IDT program’s year-end showcase, on April 24.
“I'm not sure who is more excited about this year’s challenge – the students or the Ashcroft staff,” says Dave Bodell, Ashcroft Master Builder general manager. “We've had an opportunity to spend more time with the students and instructor this year than in the past, which I know has made the experience better for both. It is an honour to work with Cherie Reitzel and her team. She brings an energy and excitement that is infectious for all of us and it shows how much she cares for her students and this program.”
The 2018 winning design was The Emberly, a floor plan created by Lina Wiebe and animated by Jada Kot. Wiebe worked as an intern for Ashcroft in the summer of 2018 as the home was built in the Garry Station neighbourhood. The home was nominated for an award for best design in its price range by the Building Industry and Land Development Association – Lethbridge Region.
“Without the support of Ashcroft's suppliers and trade partners this wouldn't be possible,” says Bodell. “They see value in supporting the future and always step up to help worthy causes like this. They are second to none.”
The Ashcroft Design Challenge is part of a multi-faceted partnership between Ashcroft Master Builder and Lethbridge College. Proceeds from the sale of the home support the Ashcroft: Giving Back scholarship contest, which awards a scholarship to a deserving student who may otherwise not be able to afford post-secondary education.
The first winner of the contest is Tyler Dow, who is currently enrolled in General Studies at Lethbridge College and will be joining the Digital Communications and Media program in September.
Ashcroft Master Builder Ltd. is an award-winning home builder based in Lethbridge. It was one of the first builders to take part in The College Home project with Lethbridge College and the Building Industry Land Development (formerly Canadian Home Builders’ Association) – Lethbridge Region. The company has a history of philanthropic efforts in the southern Alberta community, including its yearly Christmas campaign.
The college’s Interior Design Technology and newly-announced Architectural Animation Technology (pending final approval) programs offer students the opportunity to learn leading-edge design techniques and technologies that prepare them to thrive in the home design industry. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to attend surRENDER on April 24 at Lethbridge College.
LISTEN: Cherie Reitzel, Dave Bodell and first-year IDT students Chelsea Allard and Gabrielle Westgeest discuss the Ashcroft Design Challenge: